ESL-101-M37 Study Skills
Credit Hours: 1
Prerequisite: None
Textbook
Course Packet
Course Description and Objectives
This course provides intensive English language practice while at the same time it prepares students for academic success by focusing on study skills. We focus on learning strategies, effective study habits, reading skills, and test-taking strategies. At the same time, we review basic grammar structures in English, as well as work on building vocabulary for college study. Students keep a journal in which they track their learning experiences related to both study skills and to their English language learning, and in which they also respond to readings related to the themes of the class.
The main objectives of this course are to increase students' effectiveness in their studies, while at the same time to improve their English language skills.
Attendance Policy
This course is graded "P" (Pass) or "NP" (No Pass). In order to pass the class, you must attend 75% of the classes. Tardiness (arriving late to class) may result in absences. Of course, you must also (satisfactorily) complete all assigned readings, essays, projects, and journal entries in order to pass the class. Too many absences in this class and/or failing to complete the assignments may make you ineligible to take the institutional TOEFL or TWE.
Please remember that the purpose of the ESL courses is to aid students in improving their level of English in order to be able to handle academic study at the college level in English. You will not be allowed to take other academic courses at this university if you do not reach the required level by the end of the third semester. Please consult your professor if you have any doubts on this matter.
Grading Policy
Class Preparation and Participation: 10%
Journal: 20%
Vocabulary notebook: 20%
Oral Presentation: 20%
Final Project: 30%
Class Schedule
Week 1
Introduction
Preparing to learn; learning to learn
Keeping a vocabulary notebook
Week 2
Time management.
Setting goals and making a schedule.
Managing stress.
Verb tense review.
Week 3
Studying: memorizing, organizing projects, avoiding delay.
Subject-verb agreement review.
Week 4
Reading skills: methods for easier reading comprehension.
Reading speed and comprehension.
Subordinate and coordinate clause review.
Week 5
More on reading: highlighting and annotating text.
Taking notes from a reading. Reading difficult material. Punctuation review.
Week 6
Mid-term assessment. Review of vocabulary notebook and journal.
In-class essay on study skills.
Week 7
Test taking: preparing for tests and anticipating test content.
Spelling review.
Week 8
Overcoming test anxiety. Organizing for test taking.
Week 9
Doing an oral presentation.
Review of pronunciation and intonation.
Week 10
Writing a final project. Revising and editing a written text.
Week 11
Oral presentations.
Week 12
Final assessment.
Review of journal and vocabulary notebook.
In-class essay on study skills.
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